Review Blog

Oct 27 2016

Kokoda by Peter Fitzsimons

Hachette, 2016 . ISBN 9780734417435
(Age: 12+) Recommended. Peter Fitzsimons has done an excellent job
of creating a teen edition of his book Kokoda. The text
reads like a novel yet there are no fictional elements and the work
does justice to the amazing exploits of those 'ragged bloody heroes'
without the inclusion of content inappropriate for teens. The
stunning performance of a poorly trained, inadequately supplied
militia, who fought to the death to stop a ferocious enemy, whilst
grossly outnumbered, sickened by tropical diseases and suffering
malnutrition, is the main focus of this book.
As an Australian who is proud of those who gave military service to
our country, I am simultaneously conscious of the need to avoid any
hint of glorification of war in literature. Fitzsimons shows
unashamed reverence for those who endured almost impossible
conditions in the New Guinea jungle as he recounts the courage shown
by military units and the almost unbelievable bravery of
individuals. Whilst doing so, he emphasises terrible suffering,
almost unimaginable fear and the trauma, both physical and mental,
which affected those soldiers for the rest of their lives.
The exploits of these soldiers have become legendary in the
Australian mindset and it is important that we are reminded of the
historical facts, to help us remain grounded, avoiding myth and
imaginative dramatisation. In explaining the significance of the
'chocolate soldier' militia and the enormous respect that the 39th
Battalion earned, Fitzsimons does not shy away from acknowledging
the fact that the 53rd Battalion largely failed its military
objectives and did not serve with distinction. Importantly, the
author notes that these servicemen had completely inadequate
training and suffered from terrible organisation and planning in the
early stages of the operation. Similarly, Fitzsimons is to be
commended for having the courage to openly criticise the Australian
General Blamey for his arrogance, ignorance and incompetence during
the campaign. Further, the author is also bold enough to voice that
General Douglas MacArthur was similarly incompetent and that many
Australian and American lives were wasted due his idiotic orders
influenced by an inflated ego and an unawareness of reality due to
being nowhere near the action. This is important, given that
MacArthur was accorded heroic status by a tame press and film
industry.
I recommend this book to teenagers of 12+ years and to adults who
will enjoy it whilst learning a great deal.
Rob Welsh